--- title: "Ford’s Promised “Model T Moment” Potentially Leaked: TDS" date: "2025-08-07" modified: "2025-08-07" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/fords-promised-model-t-moment-potentially-leaked" categories: - "News" - "The Downshift" --- # Ford’s Promised “Model T Moment” Potentially Leaked: TDS ![Ford pickup]() Good morning and welcome to *The Down Shift*, or *TDS* for short. *The Downshift* is *The Drive*'s new weekday early morning quick-hit news rundown that brings the latest automotive stories bubbling around the world in one place. Pair *TDS* with a Pop-Tart and coffee. No, we aren't sponsored by Pop-Tarts, they are just delicious. We are nearing the back half of the second week of *TDS* and just want to say a quick thank you to everyone that has submitted feedback via the comments and email (tips@thedrive.com). The feedback has been invaluable and modifications have been made accordingly. We'll continue to evolve the series based on continued feedback. *TDS* is light, tight, and right, going heavy on news and short on words. It's not a full-feature story, not in-depth reporting, and certainly not something that will take long to scan through. Stories are summarized in a single sentence with a link providing the option to go deeper for those seeing more information. The first cup of coffee's gone here, so let's get into it. 🚘 What I’m driving: Now in the back half of the week with the 2025 Lincoln Navigator L Black Label and the feelings on the new steering wheel, controls, and interfaces is mixed. 🔋 Ford plans to have a "Model T moment" on Monday according to CEO Jim Farley, and [sources leaked]() the announcement isn't a product reveal, rather it's about a new line of affordable EVs and cheaper batteries. 🚙 Infiniti [revealed the 2026 QX80]() with a more expensive price, new range-topping Sport trim, and [teased some Monterey Car Week "concept" introductions]() including a QX65 Monograph and twin QX80s. 🚕 The NHTSA [issued an exemption]() for Amazon's Zoox driverless taxi for public demonstrations despite the pod-like EVs not having a steering wheel or pedals. 🚙 Cadillac changed course and [will refresh the mid-size XT5]() with a gas-powered model continuing in the lineup. 🚐 GM and Hyundai [formalized their partnership](), which will include an electric van for the U.S. market. ⚫️ The [Land Rover Range Rover Sport SV Carbon debuted]() with less weight, more carbon fiber bits, and a larger price tag as the model's range topper ahead of a formal introduction next week at 2025 Monterey Car Week. *Have feedback on the formatting of TDS? Send us a note: tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()